by Janet Alexander
It comes but once a year when Marin’s largest retail destinations transform into holiday hotspots of festivities and events. With so much holiday cheer to go around, it can be difficult to keep track of the calendar’s busiest season—which is why the Pacific Sun’s holiday season round-up is here to help you know when and where you can experience the holiday merriment of Marin.
The Village, Corte Madera
Santa Photos
Santa will arrive Friday, Nov. 28. Get your best holiday outfit on and get your photo taken with the big guy in red.
Santa is available for photo-ops during the following dates:
Dec. 12-23 10am-6pm
Dec. 24 9am-5pm
Santa Pet Night
Have your photo taken with your favorite furry friend! Complimentary dog treats will be provided.
Dec. 1, 8, 15
3-5pm
Breakfast with Santa
The bounties of a Cheesecake Factory breakfast collide with holiday hospitality alongside Santa. Bring an unwrapped toy for a child under 15 years of age, or a cash donation to ring in the gift-giving spirit.
Saturday, Dec. 6
9am
Northgate Mall, San Rafael
Marin on Ice
Marin’s only holiday ice skating rink will make its return again this year to Oak Plaza. This outdoor spectacular is a seasonal highlight. Holiday ambiance abounds, with a featured skating show planned.
Nov. 9-Jan. 12
Breakfast with Santa
Marin’s local pizookie purveyor, BJ’s Restaurant, hosts a breakfast with Santa. Fun fit for the entire family, this up-close moment with Santa comes with a cause. All proceeds will be donated to Marin Community Food Bank.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Santa Photos
Through the holidays, Santa will be available for photographs and wishes at his customary home away from the North Pole, between Applebee’s and Macy’s.
Nov. 14-Dec. 24
Monday-Saturday 12pm-8pm
Sundays 12pm-6pm
Dec. 12-23 Monday-Sunday 9am-9pm
Christmas Eve 9am-5pm
Image for Success Gift Wrap
Gift-wrapping services will be provided to customers for a suggested donation through volunteers from Image for Success. Image for Success is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wardrobes to disenfranchised families of Marin County, who are making the transition to self-reliance.
Marin Country Mart, Larkspur
Santa Photos
Free photos with Santa and complimentary coloring books.
Dec. 6 and 7; Dec. 13-Dec. 24
11am-4pm
Le Petit Cirque de Noel
Marin Country Mart is hosting a 1920s-themed French Circus for the 12 Days of Christmas this year.
Dec. 12-24
6-7:15pm
Holiday Elf and Fairy Workshop
Makeup for the kids, ball-spinning, unicycle and hat-juggling.
Dec. 15 and 16
Hanukkah
Complimentary latkes from Wise Sons and Klezmar music every evening of Hanukkah.
Dec. 16-21
3:30-5:30pm
Christmas Songs with Rue
Manouche Trio
Jeff Magidson (Guitar) + Anna Magidson (Guitar & Singer) + Hande Erdem (Violin)
December 20, 21, 22
6-7:15 pm
Friday Night Jazz:
12/5 Jeff Derby Trio
12/12 Joshua Smith and Piro Patton Quartet
12/26 Zev Shearn-Nance Quartet
Folkish :
12/7 The Old Way12:30 – 2:30 Holiday Folk music
12/14 Shabang Steel Drum Ensemble 12-3pm
12/21 The Douglass Lee Trio. Douglass Lee plays holiday and other tunes on the “glass harp,” i.e. wine glasses 12:30-2:30pm
Town Center, Corte Madera
Free gift-wrapping
In cooperation with the Hospice of Marin, Town Center will offer this service to all Town Center shoppers throughout this holiday season. Gift-wrapping is located alongside Santa every day through Dec. 24.
